Indore/Bhopal June 19, 2026

President Droupadi Murmu on Friday reviewed Madhya Pradesh's efforts to eliminate sickle cell disease during a visit to Omkareshwar in Khandwa district on the second day of her five-day tour of the state. Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav and Governor Mangubhai Patel welcomed the President, who visited a state-level exhibition organised on World Sickle Cell Day under the National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission-2047.

The President toured the exhibition to understand how the state is working towards early detection, treatment and awareness of the hereditary blood disorder. She was briefed about screening drives, genetic counselling, free treatment facilities, digital tools such as the Sickle Cell mobile app and portal, and the long-term roadmap for disease elimination by 2047.

During the visit, Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav said Madhya Pradesh remains fully committed to the goal of eliminating sickle cell anaemia. He informed President Murmu that over 13.2 million people have already been screened under the programme. The Chief Minister said special attention is being given to disease management among pregnant women through timely treatment and healthcare support. He added that genetic counselling and Sickle Cell Cards are being provided to affected families, while more than 3,700 Sickle Cell Mitras are working at the grassroots level to spread awareness, assist in early detection and facilitate treatment across the state.

The exhibition brought together the work of several departments involved in the mission. Officials from the Medical Education and Health Department and the AYUSH Department explained measures related to disease identification, treatment, counselling and public awareness. The President reviewed the information and appreciated the efforts being made to expand healthcare access and improve outreach among affected communities.

A major focus of the exhibition was the work being carried out in tribal regions, where sickle cell disease is more prevalent. The Tribal Affairs Department and the Scheduled Caste Welfare Department displayed details of mobile medical units operating in remote areas, healthcare facilities available to patients, relief schemes and other welfare programmes. The exhibition also highlighted welfare programmes for women and children. The Women and Child Development Department presented information on schemes such as the Chief Minister Ladli Behna Yojana, One Stop Centres, nutrition support programmes and the Women Helpline-181. The President reviewed these initiatives and their outreach among weaker sections of society.

During the visit, President Murmu interacted with officials, healthcare workers, representatives of social organisations and members associated with the Sickle Cell Elimination Mission. She also joined a group photograph with Sickle Cell Mitras and frontline workers involved in awareness and treatment campaigns.

Sickle cell disease is a genetic blood disorder passed from parents to children through genes. In this condition, red blood cells become sickle-shaped instead of remaining round, affecting the flow of oxygen in the body and leading to several health complications. The disease is known to affect many tribal populations across central India, making early screening and treatment crucial.

The National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission aims to eradicate the disease by 2047 through large-scale screening, timely diagnosis, treatment and awareness campaigns. The state-level programme at Omkareshwar formed part of the nationwide observance of World Sickle Cell Day, with awareness and healthcare activities continuing across Madhya Pradesh as part of the ongoing mission.